Comparing Outcomes for Injured Workers in Indiana, 2016 Interviews

By Bogdan Savych, Vennela Thumula

This study updates interstate comparisons of the key outcomes achieved by injured workers in Indiana and 14 other states. It reflects a multiyear effort by WCRI to collect and examine data on the outcomes of medical care achieved by injured workers in a growing number of states. The outcomes we examine in this study include the following:

Recovery of physical health and functioning

Return to work

Earnings recovery

Access to medical care

Satisfaction with medical care

Indiana data underlying these comparisons are from 2016 interviews of workers injured in 2013. The study provides interstate comparisons of key case-mix adjusted outcomes across 15 states. The study also indicates whether or not the Indiana value was higher, somewhat higher, similar, somewhat lower, or lower compared with the median of the 15 states.

By examining outcomes of injured workers, policymakers and other stakeholders can better understand how different state workers’ compensation systems compare in order to identify and prioritize opportunities to improve system performance.